Key Lime Truffles – Easy No-Bake Dessert Recipe

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Creamy key lime truffles with graham cracker coating and lime zest, one with bite to show smooth filling

Key Lime Truffles are a bright, creamy, no-bake dessert that brings all the flavor of classic key lime pie into one delicious bite. These easy key lime truffles with white chocolate are rich yet refreshing, bursting with citrusy aroma, silky smooth texture, and a hint of crunch from crushed graham crackers. Whether you’re searching for how to make key lime truffles at home, need a no-bake lime dessert for summer parties, or want key lime truffle balls for gifting, this simple recipe has you covered. Inspired by the tangy Southern treat and perfect for warm-weather entertaining, they’re as elegant as they are effortless. Craving a sweet-tart treat everyone will love? Give this foolproof recipe a try today!

What Makes This So Irresistible

  • No baking required – just melt, mix, and chill
  • Tart and sweet flavor balance – key lime juice + sweet white chocolate = perfection
  • Easy to prep ahead – make the day before your event
  • Perfect for summer gatherings – light, citrusy, refreshing
  • Customizable – dip in chocolate, roll in coconut, or add a graham cracker coating
  • Portable and freezer-friendly – great for gifts or potlucks

Ingredients for Key Lime Truffles

Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need for these no-bake key lime truffles:

Wet Ingredients

  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (key lime juice preferred for richer flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons lime zest (about 4–5 limes)
  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 2 cups crushed graham crackers

Optional Coating:

  • Melted white chocolate (for dipping or drizzling)
  • Extra graham cracker crumbs
  • Toasted coconut or powdered sugar
No-bake key lime truffles on a white plate with lime zest and graham cracker coating
No oven? No problem. These no-bake key lime truffles are the perfect blend of tart, sweet, and smooth.

How to Make Key Lime Truffles – Step by Step

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine:

  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler:

  • Melt 2 cups white chocolate chips in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.
  • Tip: Stop microwaving just before fully melted and let residual heat finish the job.

Step 3: Add Butter & Lime Zest

To the melted chocolate:

  • Stir in 1 tablespoon softened butter
  • Fold in 4 tablespoons lime zest
    This creates the citrus base for your truffles.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Slowly add the wet mixture to the chocolate-lime base. Stir until fully blended. It will be thick and creamy.

Step 5: Fold in Graham Cracker Crumbs

Add 2 cups crushed graham crackers, one cup at a time, mixing until evenly incorporated.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until the mixture is firm enough to shape.

Step 7: Shape Into Truffles

Using a spoon or small cookie scoop:

  • Roll dough into 1-inch balls
  • Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet
  • Optional: Chill again before dipping in melted chocolate or rolling in coatings

Pro Tips & Cooking Secrets

  1. Use key lime juice for that signature tart flavor — regular lime works, but key lime is more aromatic.
  2. Don’t over-zest — avoid the bitter white pith when zesting limes.
  3. Use high-quality white chocolate — real cocoa butter makes a smoother truffle.
  4. Chill the mixture well — cold dough is easier to roll and dip.
  5. For clean dipping — use a fork or candy dipper to lower truffles into melted chocolate.
  6. Dust hands with powdered sugar when rolling to prevent sticking.
  7. Add coconut flakes to the coating for tropical flavor.
  8. Make it green! — A drop of natural green food coloring adds a fun lime hue.
  9. Freezer hack — Pop truffles in the freezer for 15 minutes before coating to help them hold shape.
  10. Store in mini cupcake liners for pretty presentation and easy serving.
Inside view of a key lime truffle showing its creamy lime-filled center
Take a bite into the creamy center of these irresistible key lime truffles — perfect for gifting or entertaining.

Variations & Substitutions

Flavor Twists:

  • Swap lime juice for lemon or orange juice for citrus variety.
  • Add a splash of vanilla extract for a smooth finish.
  • Mix in shredded coconut or crushed pistachios for texture.

Dietary Adjustments:

  • Use coconut cream and dairy-free white chocolate for a lactose-free version.
  • Try gluten-free graham crackers for a GF-friendly treat.

Visual Appeal:

  • Dip in green-tinted white chocolate for a St. Patrick’s Day twist.
  • Roll in lime sugar (zest + sugar) for an extra citrus pop.

Best Ways to Serve Key Lime Truffles

Whether you’re setting up a party tray or gifting to a friend, these lime truffle balls are as versatile as they are delicious.

  • As a dessert platter addition with chocolate truffles and fruit.
  • Packaged in gift boxes with ribbon for holidays or teacher gifts.
  • Alongside coffee or tea for an afternoon sweet treat.
  • Mini dessert shooters – place one truffle in a shot glass with whipped cream!
  • Tropical-themed party – pair with pina coladas and fruit skewers.

Nutritional Information (per truffle, approx. 1-inch ball)

  • Calories: 130 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Protein: 1g

Note: These values may vary slightly based on ingredients used.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Fridge:

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Layer with parchment to prevent sticking.

Freezer:

  • Freeze up to 2 months.
  • Thaw in fridge overnight before serving.

Best Practices:

  • Do not leave at room temp longer than 1–2 hours in warm weather.
  • Chill again if coating starts to soften before serving.

Key Lime Truffles FAQs

1. How do you make key lime truffles at home?

To make key lime truffles at home, combine melted white chocolate, lime zest, key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and crushed graham crackers. Chill the mixture until firm, then roll into bite-sized balls. Optionally, dip in melted white chocolate or coat in extra graham cracker crumbs.

2. Do key lime truffles need to be refrigerated?

Yes, key lime truffles should be refrigerated. Because they contain dairy ingredients like cream and condensed milk, they must be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and will keep for up to 5–7 days.

3. Can you freeze key lime truffles for later?

Absolutely! Key lime truffles freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed in the refrigerator before serving.

4. What’s the difference between regular lime and key lime in truffles?

Key limes are smaller, more aromatic, and slightly more tart than regular limes. Using fresh key lime juice in truffles creates a more authentic and vibrant flavor, making them taste closer to classic key lime pie.

5. Are key lime truffles a no-bake dessert?

Yes! Key lime truffles are a no-bake dessert, making them perfect for hot weather or when you want a quick treat without turning on the oven. Just mix, chill, roll — and enjoy.

Stack of key lime truffle balls with vibrant lime zest and crumb topping
Bright, zesty, and melt-in-your-mouth — these key lime truffle balls are the ultimate no-bake treat.

Craving More? Try These:

One Last Bite – Let’s Make This Together

There’s something truly special about recipes like these key lime truffles — simple, no-fuss, and filled with bright, refreshing flavor. They remind us that homemade treats don’t have to be complicated to be showstopping. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or sneaking a few after dinner, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

So grab your limes, melt that chocolate, and roll your way into dessert bliss.

👉 Have you made this recipe? What’s your favorite twist on key lime truffles? Drop a comment and let’s swap ideas and share your variation 

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Creamy key lime truffles with graham cracker coating and lime zest, one with bite to show smooth filling

Key Lime Truffles – Easy No-Bake Dessert Recipe


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  • Author: Clara Bennett
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including chill time)
  • Yield: 24 truffles 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

No-bake Key Lime Truffles are a creamy, citrus-infused dessert made with white chocolate, graham crackers, lime zest, and sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for summer parties, gifting, or a refreshing treat anytime.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 0.25 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 0.25 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 tablespoons lime zest
  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 2 cups crushed graham crackers
  • Optional: melted white chocolate for coating

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, and lime juice until smooth.
  2. In a separate bowl, melt white chocolate chips using a microwave or double boiler. Stir until smooth.
  3. Add the softened butter and lime zest to the melted white chocolate. Mix well.
  4. Slowly add the wet mixture to the chocolate mixture, stirring until fully combined.
  5. Stir in crushed graham crackers until the mixture is evenly mixed.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to shape.
  7. Once chilled, scoop out small portions and roll into 1-inch balls.
  8. Place truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally, dip in melted white chocolate or roll in extra crumbs or coconut.

Notes

  • Use key lime juice for a more authentic and tangy flavor.
  • Chill the dough well before rolling to prevent sticking.
  • You can freeze the truffles for up to 2 months.
  • Roll in lime sugar, coconut flakes, or drizzle with white chocolate for variation.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 truffle
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 20mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

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